Abstract
Numerous science fiction novels and movies deal with colonization of hostile planets, and generally take two approaches to the establishment of settlements: Terraforming and modification of the planet to an Earth-like state to accommodate the colonists, or enclosed colonies where the establishment of Earth-like conditions is confined to buildings and constructions separated from the hostile planetary environment.
In the short run, confined settlements will probably be the choice, which is also the case for e.g. the Mars One project, while terraforming holds longer perspectives. In contrast to the continuous supply of basic necessities by supply ships described in some science fiction novels, in situ food production and provision of other bio-based goods will be necessary in long term settlements due to the huge expenses and logistic problems in steady shipments.
Extensive farming, recycling of essential necessities of life, and establishment of autonomous supply have been described in several science fiction novels both ahead of, and parallel to technical development of the processes in real space projects.
Several novels deal with the ethical problems of colonization ranging from respect for the intrinsic worth of indigenous life to criticism of anthropocentrism. The current technological advances and scientific discoveries of vital frozen water on Mars have made colonization achievable within a reasonable time frame, which has led to other ethical issues associated with the risks involved in the establishment of a permanent colony in a life-threatening hostile environment with no possibility for rescue.
This chapter takes a starting point in current colonization plans such as the Mars one project, which has a time horizon of 10–20 years. The tight relationship and cross-feedings between fictional technologies and science is examined. Based upon the virtual knowledge from science fiction literature and the increasing amount of real knowledge about atmosphere composition, mineral and water availability, physical and chemical conditions etc. gained from observations, rovers and probes, the contrasting views upon colonization and technology are discussed. The possibilities and limitations for establishing and supplying a colony on Mars or a moon with bio-based necessities is discussed and compared with science fiction literature within the field of colonization.
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Westermann, P. (2017). A Greenhouse on Mars. In: Baron, C., Halvorsen, P., Cornea, C. (eds) Science Fiction, Ethics and the Human Condition. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56577-4_4
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